Reflections on life: the funny, poignant, serious and quirky

“Who *are* you behind your online words?” is a question asked by blogger extraordinaire bottledworder today in her post. Her byline is “easy reading is damn hard writing”.

That is a good question. Tell me, who do you think I am behind the posts I write and the things I reveal on my blog? I have a good idea who many of you are: courageous, smart, excellent photographers, funny, well-read, thoughtful and kind; some of you are my good real life friends; many of you I have met here in this blog space, and I consider you good real life friends too.

As many of you know, I have been putting together a book on “Bliss” from my posts and your comments from the first half of this year. Consider any comments you make some more fodder for my book—so comment away—and be sort of honest (lol).

And remember, bottledworder is right, when she says “easy reading is damn hard writing”. Sometimes I get it right; sometimes I don’t.

(Yes—I know this is a self-serving post—but it really will help with my book. You will be doing a girl a favour. And any of you who know me in real life are exempt from this exercise.)

All the best for your book. I have read some of your posts and plan to read more. But I must confess “You will be doing a girl a favour” surprised me. Somehow I assumed you were a guy (as a lot of people have done about me too.)

I know you to be a kind, compassionate woman.. you are an encourager.. you like/love people and when you befriend someone you are loyal.. I think you’re a deep thinker and I also believe you to be vulnerable. I believe you do care (not worry necessarily) what people think about you….and yet you remain ‘who you are’. I know that you love to write..that’s a given.You give of yourself in many ways but especially ‘love’… Well I guess that’s enough critiquing for now I guess.. Diane

I’m really glad to know the book is still in the works! Not that I didn’t have faith in you but we all get distracted by one thing or another so I’m glad you’re still going forward with it.

I know you to be someone who is observant, kind, and with just the right type of humor. As to exactly what “type” that is, it’s the type that not everyone gets but the kind that people like me love and appreciate (because we have the same type of humor).

It’s so hard to say who the person behind any post could be. Because they reveal whatever they choose to. I think the more we read a blog the more pieces of the puzzle we put together. But we still only have the pieces we’re given, true, false, or something in between.

so astute–as a writer though sometimes I find I reveal a little bit more than I really intended and sometimes to make it interesting I may dramatize a bit to make the event just that little bit more interesting (it is still true) — we reveal whatever we choose to – when our muse does not take over-

Well, I think you are probably pretty true to your online personality. You seem to be down to earth, funny, well-educated and supportive of others. I like the tone of your writing, especially your columns, and can appreciate the perspective, as another person living the small town lifestyle. I think a book compilation of your bliss posts is a great idea.

You are the type of person that I would love to share an early morning cup of coffee with for reals. Quiet, comfortable and thoughtful. That’s what I think when I join you in this e- world. And I smile.

i think behind the blog you are the same as you are in your writing, kind, funny, smart, compassionate, clever, empathetic. we all have things we keep out of our writing – too personal, too painful, but who we are shines through i think. and i think you’re pretty remarkable as a mom, a writer, a sister, a friend, a wife, i count myself lucky to have crossed your path.

it’s all true-every word but i after i responded i realized there was something I forgot. the greatest gift my father gave me was his sense of curiosity and a sense of openness. i think those two qualities allow us to live fuller and richer lives and I see both in you in everything you write.

sometimes I think I may be too open but it is in an effort to let others see that we all go through stuff and hopefully come out the other side–and I agree with you–curiousity and openness are very important elements in make this life and that of those we love worthwhile–thank you for coming back to re-comment–you are a true friend

~ AWARDS ~

I will no longer be accepting Awards.
I am honoured to be remembered, nominated and given awards but I will not partake in the Award "ceremonies".
Thank you to all who have given me awards in the past: you make my soul sing.